Passage When SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in 2019, it was a truly novel virus for the world. At that time, no one in the world h…

Reading Comprehension ·Previously asked in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

View the full solved paper: GS Paper II

Question

Passage:

When SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in 2019, it was a truly novel virus for the world. At that time, no one in the world had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or had specific immunity against it. In contrast, people across the world have been exposed to HMPV for decades and the virus is well-studied. HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 belong to two very different virus families with fundamentally different characteristics and epidemiology, with strong seasonality seen in HMPV, unlike SARS-CoV-2. Both viruses cause different severity of symptoms, particularly over the long term, and the affected population segments do not fully overlap. In general, HMPV causes milder illness with deaths being very rare and with no long-term post-viral symptoms.

Which of the following conclusions is/are valid?

1. Though SARS-CoV-2 and HMPV are similar viruses with somewhat different epidemiology, the former became a pandemic because it was novel and people had not been exposed to it in the past.

2. The two viruses have fundamentally different impacts on human populations and should not therefore be dealt with in a similar manner.

Select the answer using the code given below.

  1. A. 1 only
  2. B. 2 only (Correct answer)
  3. C. Both 1 and 2
  4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer

Option B — 2 only

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option B.

Key Points

  • Only conclusion 2 is valid.
  • 2 — the passage stresses the two viruses have fundamentally different characteristics, epidemiology and impacts, so they should not be handled the same way.
  • 1 is wrong — it calls SARS-CoV-2 and HMPV "similar viruses", but the passage says they belong to two very different virus families; so the premise of 1 contradicts the passage.

Additional Information

  • SARS-CoV-2 became a pandemic because it was novel with no prior immunity, whereas HMPV is well-studied and seasonal — a contrast the passage draws to argue against treating them alike.